Thursday, July 31, 2014

Movidius has defined a new category of chip--the vision processing unit (VPU)--which goes between the camera and the application processor to provide sophisticated video processing tasks such as object recognition and 3-D mapping: R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog

Moog has redefined the Theremin by adding an integrated synthesizer, MIDI output and other features that makes it truly a Moog--called the Theremini: R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog

The Theremini has a small ring antenna (left) to control column and a telescoping vertical antenna (right) for controlling the pitch of a single note or any parameter in the internal or an attached music synthesizer.

Friday, July 18, 2014

Adding extra fingers, arm or self-defined extremities to humans is the next frontier for robotics: R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog

MIT doctoral candidate Faye Wu shows that by following the motions of the fingers the two robotic fingers adjacent to thumb and pinky can help users perform tasks with one hand that would ordinarily take two.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

To get to the 10-nanometer node circa 2017 most semiconductor makers are still banking on EUV, which need special super-resists like the one described here to be successful: R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog

Super-resist combine cross linkers in low concentration (left) enabling shorter exposure times than with high concentrations of cross linkers (right).

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Flexible displays are already here in the form of curved displays for TVs and smartphones encased in glass and metal, but these new-generation flexible displays will be encased in plastic so they can be rolled up like a scroll: R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog

Flexible OLED displays can be rolled up for storage or transport or form fit to smart watches, visors, almost anything.

Wednesday, July 09, 2014

All the motion processing and sensor fusion software makers are being acquired by MEMS or audio/speech makers. Only Hillcrest remains independent--but for how long? R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog

Sophsticated motion processing and sensor fusion software from companies like ExHillcrest, Movea and Sensor Platforms are needed to meet the growing need for combo motion sensors which will grow to over $1 billion by 2016, according to IHS.

Friday, July 04, 2014

Voice activated and other sound oriented functions requires that the microphone be always-on, but Knowles has figured a way to do it with only 235 microAmps--keeping it ahead of the pack: R. Colin Johnson @NextGenLog

By R. Colin Johnson

Lastest Book:

Cognitive computers—cognizers—aim to instill human-like intelligence into our smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices using microchips that emulate the human brain. Dubbed the “Future of Computing” by the NYTimes, one of the “Best Innovation Moments of 2011” by the Washington Post and one of “10 World Changing Ideas” in a Scientific American cover story “A Computer Chip that Thinks” this book reveals how neuroscience and computer science are merging in a new era of intelligent machines light-years beyond Apple's Siri, IBM's Watson.

About the Author:

Next-generation electronics and technology news stories published non-stop for 20+ years, R. Colin Johnson's unique perspective has prompted coverage of his articles in a diverse range of major media outlets--from the ultra-liberal National Public Radio (NPR) to the ultra-conservative Rush Limbaugh Show.